Atlas462

That's interesting to hear about Powell's and Ayn Rand. I work for a bookstore that is based on Powell's business model of new and used books. We're the biggest independent bookstore in Alaska (and are about the size of a standard B&N or Borders). Unlike Powell's, at our store, Ayn Rand gets plenty of shelf space and display (I make sure of that), both in western philosophy and literature. And surprisingly, at least 5 employees feature her works in the 'Picks' section. (Our picks section sells quite well). If you're curious, our website is at www.wavebooks.com

http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/Philosophy/Forre...t%20address.htm Check out this University of Wyoming philosophy professor's commencement address. He quotes Ayn Rand and actually makes a great stand against moral relativism. UW was where I got my BA in Philosophy, and my best friend and I helped educate all our professors in Ayn Rand's views. I can't believe one of them actually took her views to heart. Just thought it was heartening to see an academic philosopher quote Rand!

Manager of a bookstore / philosophy student.

http://www.drudgereport.com/rnc.htm Drudge is hardly a reliable source, but this has some interesting implications, if true. If you haven't read up on the Fairtax, check it out here: (http://www.fairtax.org/). If only Bush wasn't forging a religious state, this might move me to vote for him this fall.

The so-called "Orthodox Hypothesis" you have offered is not an accurate reflection of Objectivism. Predation is not a fundamental ethical principle for Objectivism. Human beings are predators of pretty much every other animal on Earth. We hunt, harvest, and eat all sorts of lower animals. Ayn Rand did not object to this fact. This is predation and it is not vicious, but rather virtuous, as it is the sustainment and pleasure of our lives. Ayn Rand did however have a lot to say about the ethics of interaction with other people, and she was firmly against predation in this realm. The initiation of force against another rational being is a violation of their rights. Predation against another human, whether it be robbery, fraud, cannibalization, or otherwise, is harmful to your life and therefore, vicious. It makes you a dependent and a parasite upon the virtues of another man, and even ignoring all the possible socio-legal consequences, your self-esteem will have been irreparably damaged.

baseless ad hominem against the admin = short term forum account

My philosophy of science professor always said that Elegant Universe by Brian Greene is a good layman's introduction to quantum theory. He was a thorough skeptic and held nightmarish beliefs, but if you want an introduction from someone who believes in quantum theory -- this is supposedly a good one.

One resource I've been using lately to find new books is the ARI Student Survival Guide website ( http://www.aynrand.org/ssg/ ). They have recommended readings for these subjects: Philosophy, Psychology, Physics, History, Intellectual History, Economics, and Music. I'm currently reading The Killing of History by Keith Windschuttle -- a recommendation from the ARI site. So far it's been an attack on the predominant schools of academic history, e.g., postcolonialism, multiculturalism, structuralism, etc. These were all schools of thought that were PROMINENT at my university. His complete refutation of these schools is enjoyable so far. However, I'm curious if he can offer a coherent theory of objective history as well. P.S. I also can't recommend Peikoff lectures enough if you want to supplement your education. I haven't listened to the History of Philosophy tapes yet, but I plan to shortly. Thanks for reminding me Radcap

It all depends. What do you want to do with your life? What are your goals? Are your interests in the more rational disciplines, like medicine or science, or are you planning a career in the humanities? What exactly do you need to know in order to do your job and will college offer you that? For me, going to college to study philosophy was an invaluable tutorial into the workings of an academic world that I am entirely opposed to, in order to help me understand it and fight against it.

Invictus Out of the night that covers me Black as the Pit from pole to pole I thank whatever gods maybe For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the horror of the shade And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate How charged with punishment the scroll I am the Master of my fate I am the Captain of my soul. -- William Earnest Henley This poem is most powerful if you're suffering -- and I find it less affecting the happier I become. Still, I think its an important tribute to free will and integrity.

This is a common angle of a skyscraper for Objectivist sites, but a great pic nonetheless: http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=127505 Here's a few more of industry that I like: http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=127504 http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=128773 http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=89376 http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=60887 http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=4671 http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=59653 Great sky shot: http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=122063 EDIT: a close-up http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=18831

I'm thankful that I work with a boss that realizes that business is about self-interested trading and refuses to let customers, employees, or herself get screwed over. She recommended sections of this to me as a manager in the store: The Customer Comes Second Perhaps you should pass this along to yours.

The arguments I've heard for the polytheism of Mormonism all relate to its treatment of the afterlife. Those who live the ideal Mormon life, and are granted access to the Temple in Salt Lake City, will be rewarded with the highest honor possible, the powers of a God and their own world to rule over. The quote I've heard is that man "has the full potential of God." Which is of course only realized as a reward in the afterlife after a life of debasing servitude and duty to God. The problem I see with lumping Mormonism into polytheism is that no one worships these afterlife Gods on other worlds. They only worship this one God/Godhead.